FREE A&P Weight and Balance Control Questions and Answers

Question 1

An aircraft with a total weight of 2,100 pounds has a total moment of 96,600 in-lb. What is the location of its Center of Gravity (CG)?

Accepted Answer

46.0 inches aft of datum

Answer

The Center of Gravity (CG) is calculated by dividing the total moment by the total weight. In this case, 96,600 in-lb divided by 2,100 lbs equals 46.0 inches.

Question 2

In the context of aircraft weight and balance, what is the 'datum'?

Accepted Answer

An imaginary vertical plane or line from which all horizontal measurements of arm are taken.

Answer

The datum is an imaginary vertical reference plane established by the manufacturer from which all horizontal distances (arms) are measured for weight and balance purposes.

Question 3

Which of the following scenarios would cause the most significant change to an aircraft's center of gravity?

Accepted Answer

A 200-pound passenger moving from a rear seat (STA 150) to a front seat (STA 70).

Answer

The greatest change in CG occurs when the largest weight is shifted over the greatest distance. A 200-pound passenger moving 80 inches (150 - 70) creates a moment change of 16,000 in-lb, which is significantly larger than the moment changes in the other options.

Question 4

When preparing an aircraft for weighing to determine its empty weight, what is the standard procedure regarding the fuel in the tanks?

Accepted Answer

The fuel must be drained until only the unusable supply remains.

Answer

Standard procedure for determining empty weight requires draining the fuel system until only the unusable fuel remains. The weight of unusable fuel is part of the aircraft's empty weight. Alternatively, tanks can be full and the weight of usable fuel can be subtracted, but draining to unusable is the standard method.

Question 5

A helicopter is loaded with its center of gravity at the aft limit. During a long flight, fuel is consumed from a main tank located forward of the CG. How will this affect the helicopter's CG and handling?

Accepted Answer

The CG will shift aft, potentially exceeding the aft limit and reducing stability.

Answer

Removing weight (burning fuel) from a location forward of the center of gravity will cause the CG to shift aft. If the helicopter was already at its aft limit, this shift could move the CG beyond the approved range, leading to instability and control difficulties.

A&P - Certified Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics Practice Test

A&P - Certified Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics Practice Test

FREE A&P Weight and Balance Control Questions and Answers